Yakima County adopts new emission guidelines

The Board of Yakima County Commissioners passed a resolution adopting a greenhouse gas reduction emission guidance policy for the county this past Tuesday afternoon.

Assistant Director of Public Works Donald Gatchalian said the policy was necessary for the county to submit a loan application to the state Public Works Trust Fund. The loan would allow the county to improve some infrastructure, including building a water tank and replacing three bridges.

The policy directs new publicly funded buildings to be "models of cost-effective, energy-efficient design" and encourages the use of energy conservation in public buildings.

The policy also suggests public employees should be encouraged to ride-share and van-pool. The county should strive to reduce pollutants from public vehicles, according to the policy.

It also suggests the county work toward a solid waste strategy that will reduce solid waste by recycling and other means, covert non-recyclable solid waste into energy and promote the purchase of recycled goods.

The policy also includes sections on public education and outreach and suggests giving priority to transportation projects that contribute to a reduction in vehicle miles traveled per capita.